Last minute Pelotonia stuff...

Read the Pelotonia handbook! Seriously, read it. I know it's long and a bit boring at times, but you need to read it, even if you've ridden in Pelotonia before. Stuff changes. Here's the link.

Create a logistics plan. How are you getting to the start of the ride on Saturday morning? Where will you park? Where will you meet your friends/teammates? How will you get back to the start (and your car) or home on Saturday or Sunday? Think it through and make a plan.

Register early. If possible, register early on Friday afternoon. The line can get really, really long after 5PM. The same goes for the line for dinner.

Is your bike ready? I know this sounds like a total duh, but you'd be surprised how many people either don't know about or forget to check their tires, brakes and give their chain a nice, pre-ride lube. And you'd be surprised how many people don't carry a basic flat-tire kit with them.

The stuff we carry. What will you put in the pockets of your bike jersey and in your saddle bag: wallet, phone, keys, snacks, lucky rabbit's foot? And, don't forget to put your wallet and phone into plastic zip bags. You'd be surprised how stinky they can get after 100 miles. I learned this one the hard way.

Staying over. If you're doing the 180-mile ride don't forget: a complete change of bike stuff (socks, shorts, jersey, gloves and butt balm) for Sunday. And bring a towel! Trust me, trying to dry yourself off with a T-shirt doesn't work. And don't forget to pack a pair of non-cleat walk-around shoes. And a cell-phone charger. And sunscreen. And put an energy bar or snack into your bag, so you'll have something to eat at the end of the ride.

Here's one from Pelotonia veteran Jeff Pierron: Those staying over in Gambier might want to make sure they're prepared for a change in the weather -- because forecasters lie! -- by packing a rain jacket, base layer and arm warmers, even if the forecast doesn't call for rain or cold.

OK, I think that's it … if I forgot anything, let me know.

Pelotonia is hours away Ö are you ready?

Here are a few tips to make sure you areÖ

Read the Pelotonia handbook! Seriously, read it. I know itís long and a bit boring at times, but you need to read it, even if youíve ridden in Pelotonia before. Stuff changes. Hereís the link.

Create a logistics plan. How are you getting to the start of the ride on Saturday morning? Where will you park? Where will you meet your friends/teammates? How will you get back to the start (and your car) or home on Saturday or Sunday? Think it through and make a plan.

Register early. If possible, register early on Friday afternoon. The line can get really, really long after 5PM. The same goes for the line for dinner.

Is your bike ready? I know this sounds like a total duh, but youíd be surprised how many people either donít know about or forget to check their tires, brakes and give their chain a nice, pre-ride lube. And youíd be surprised how many people donít carry a basic flat-tire kit with them.

The stuff we carry. What will you put in the pockets of your bike jersey and in your saddle bag: wallet, phone, keys, snacks, lucky rabbitís foot? And, donít forget to put your wallet and phone into plastic zip bags. Youíd be surprised how stinky they can get after 100 miles. I learned this one the hard way.

Staying over. If youíre doing the 180-mile ride donít forget: a complete change of bike stuff (socks, shorts, jersey, gloves and butt balm) for Sunday. And bring a towel! Trust me, trying to dry yourself off with a T-shirt doesnít work. And donít forget to pack a pair of non-cleat walk-around shoes. And a cell-phone charger. And sunscreen. And put an energy bar or snack into your bag, so youíll have something to eat at the end of the ride.

Hereís one from Pelotonia veteran Jeff Pierron: Those staying over in Gambier might want to make sure they're prepared for a change in the weather -- because forecasters lie! -- by packing a rain jacket, base layer and arm warmers, even if the forecast doesn't call for rain or cold.

OK, I think thatís it Ö if I forgot anything, let me know.

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